Question
Use the diagram to answer the question.
An illustration shows a nuclear fission reaction in which a neutron hits a uranium nucleus. The uranium nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei. Three additional neutrons and energy are released in the process.
Which statement best describes the charges of the particles involved?
(1 point)
Responses
A neutral particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more neutral and positive particles.
A neutral particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more neutral and positive particles.
A neutral particle is striking a negative particle, breaking it into more neutral and negative particles.
A neutral particle is striking a negative particle, breaking it into more neutral and negative particles.
A positive particle is striking a neutral particle, breaking it into more positive and neutral particles.
A positive particle is striking a neutral particle, breaking it into more positive and neutral particles.
A negative particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more negative and positive particles.
A neutral particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more neutral and positive particles.
Based on the description given, the statement that best describes the charges of the particles involved is:
"A neutral particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more neutral and positive particles."
To determine the charges of the particles involved in the nuclear fission reaction, let's analyze the options provided and refer to the information given in the question.
In the nuclear fission reaction described, a neutron strikes a uranium nucleus, resulting in the breakage of the nucleus into two smaller nuclei. Additionally, three additional neutrons are released in the process.
We know that neutrons are neutral particles, meaning they have no charge. Therefore, the first part of all the options is correct - a neutral particle is striking another particle.
Now let's focus on the charges of the resulting particles.
Since the uranium nucleus is breaking into smaller nuclei, it implies that the smaller nuclei are products of the reaction. According to the law of conservation of charge, the total charge before and after the reaction must be balanced.
Since the uranium nucleus is neutral (as no charge is mentioned), and it is breaking into smaller nuclei that must be charged, it follows that the resulting particles will have a charge.
Now, the options state that the particles can be positive or negative. To determine which is correct, we need to consider the overall charge after the reaction.
Remember that three additional neutrons are released in the process. Since neutrons are neutral, they do not contribute to the overall charge. Therefore, we can conclude that the overall charge after the reaction must be positive.
Based on this information, the correct statement that describes the charges of the particles involved is:
A neutral particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more neutral and positive particles.
This option correctly accounts for the overall charge before and after the reaction, and it aligns with the information provided.
Therefore, the answer is the first option:
A neutral particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more neutral and positive particles.